Ainsley Earhardt is a morning staple in many homes throughout The Midlands. As co-host of FOX News Channel's FOX & Friends, she’s conducted high-profile interviews and covered national and international storylines. She’s also a New York Times bestselling author. And at the end of the day, that role is probably the one that captures her daughter’s attention. Ainsley’s writing began with Take Heart, My Child when she was pregnant with her daughter Hayden. Through Your Eyes followed after Hayden was born. And now, I’m So Glad You Were Born has hit the market. All three books were inspired by Ainsley’s own childhood teachings. Her desire was to pass these teachings on to her daughter. The opportunity to be a published author means she gets to share with a much larger audience. Her children’s books are filled with messages of love, hope and forgiveness. Each book is highlighted by its soothing rhymes, enchanting imagery, and spiritual inspiration. In particular, I’m So Glad You Were Born is a sweet and fun, rhyming love letter from parent to child. It’s written to celebrate the child’s life and all the potential and purpose it holds. The storyline is an affirmation of parents’ hopes for their children’s dreams for the future and God’s plan for all of them. It’s designed to leave no room for doubt that all children were created to be extraordinary. Promotions for the book express, “Parents and children both have big dreams—about their life and the wonders the future holds. I’m So Glad You Were Born celebrates those dreams as well as the wonder of everyday experiences like sweet and special snuggles and cuddles, fun times and learning times too!” And to support those learning times, Ainsley’s website for the book offers a free activity guide. Faith is important to Ainsley. She’s been quoted as saying, “The best, most valuable imprint my parents gave (and still give) me is the importance of faith. They taught me to believe in God and His love and mercy. I go to church, not because I have to, but because I need to. I love the Bible’s teachings and they remind me to be a better person, shake things off and focus on the good in life and in others. I pray that I can instill the same values in my child and want to be the best example to her. I truly believe that will make this world a better place.” Ainsley’s ties to family and religion run deep and bind her to South Carolina. She was born in Charlotte and spent her earliest years in Spartanburg. She moved to Columbia in the fourth grade, and claims the city as her hometown. Her father grew up in Earlewood Park; her mother attended Columbia College. She is named after her great uncle Ainsley, a member of the Ainsley family that owned Ainsley Hall. The mansion was designed by Robert Mills and is also known as the Robert Mills House in downtown Columbia’s historic district. She graduated from Spring Valley High School and the University of South Carolina’s College of Journalism. Despite career moves that have taken her to Texas and New York, she continues to spend summer vacations and Christmas holidays on the South Carolina Coast. You can see Ainsley on weekday mornings between 6am and 9am on FOX News Channel's FOX & Friends. She is the host of Ainsley's Bible Study on FOX News Media’s streaming service FOX Nation. Her three children’s books as well as her 2019 memoir, The Light Within Me: An Inspirational Memoir, can be found at your favorite local bookstore. Ainsley donates 5% of the profits to causes that improve the health of children, pregnant mothers, and families in low income communities. Thus far, she has helped over 30,000 people. Follow her on Instagram @AEarhardt About the Illustrator Kim Barnes is an illustrator based in the United Kingdom so, of course, she loves drinking tea and eating cake. She has a first class degree in Illustration from the University of Lincoln. She lives near the sea on the Isle of Wight, her childhood home with her partner and two children, Leo and Cameo. Her children often serve as the inspiration for her work. Her love of drawing began at a very young age and has led her onto a career in illustration, specializing in children's illustration. She loves to relive her childhood through the stories that she creates and works with. Although this is her first time working with Ainsley Earhardt, you will also find her illustrations in the Sparkella series by Channing Tatum. Find Kim on Instagram @kimmariaillustration. PULL QUOTES: It’s time to celebrate WONDERFUL YOU, And all the INCREDIBLE things you can do. God gave you a future that’s brighter than bright. So follow your dreams - let your passions take flight.
Article by Shannon Barghols
Originally published in Lake Murray Lifestyle
